Fritz Miller

Fritz Miller, 89, of Gretna, NE formerly of Cedar Rapids, NE passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021 in Omaha NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 27, 2021 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, NE with Rev. Mark Tomasiewicz and Mgrs. Ralph Steffensmeier officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, NE with Military Rites conducted by the Dan Cox American Legion Post #44 of Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, and the Army Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Levander Funeral Home of Cedar Rapids, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Francis Joseph Miller, son of Joseph and Eleanora (Schmitz) Miller was born on September 18, 1931, in Cedar Rapids, NE.  Fritz was baptized at St. Anthony's Catholic Church.  He grew up in Cedar Rapids and attended St. Anthony's Catholic Church and School. He graduated from Cedar Rapids High School in 1950.  Fritz entered the Army in 1953 and served in the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1955.

Fritz married JoAnn Langan on October 24, 1959. To this union were born five daughters: Lisa, Dede, Cammy, Andi, and Shawna.  The family made their home in Cedar Rapids, NE.  Fritz was a member of the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids and St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Gretna.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

Fritz started driving a truck at the age of 13 to help his family.  He made a living driving a truck across this country, hauling everything from dry goods and hanging meat, to Behlen buildings and later in his life he drove more locally, hauling grain and rock.  Fritz finally retired from driving a truck at the age of 83.  He spent 70 years as a truck driver!

His love of the Rosary led him to lead many a rosary for deceased family and friends.  He also led the rosary at Mass and for family gatherings.  Fritz prayed the rosary daily until the day he died.  Fritz enjoyed traveling with his wife throughout the United States, cooking for his family, playing cards, and cruising around town.

Fritz is survived by his wife JoAnn of Gretna, NE; five daughters: Lisa (Craig) Christensen of Blacksburg, SC; Dede (Gus) Haggerty of Bellevue, NE; Cammy (Tim) McIntyre of Omaha, NE; Andi (Don) Towey of Gretna, NE: Shawna (Dave) Mahoney of Omaha, NE; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Madalin Zwiener of Spalding, NE; Joan Lemmers of South Bend, NE; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Margaret Rowden and Mary Hinton; brothers: Jim, Bob, Ves, and Butch Miller.